Retinal Detachment in Dogs

Definition of Retinal Detachment

The retina is a thin, delicate membrane that lines the back of the eyes and is essential to vision. Retinal detachment is a condition that occurs when the inner layers of the retina separate from underlying pigmented layers. Several things can cause a dog’s retina to detach, including genetics. Dogs can be also be born with detached retinas. Older dogs can develop this disorder from high blood pressure, glaucoma, cataracts or other age-related conditions. Trauma, inflammation, infection, cancer, bleeding disorders and surgery can all contribute to retinal detachment. Affected dogs typically lose sight slowly and have night blindness, red eyes with or without a greenish reflection, enlarged pupils and discharge from their eyes. Irreversible blindness can happen quickly after the retina detaches. This makes prompt diagnosis and treatment by a veterinary eye specialist extremely important. Anyone whose dog shows signs of acute vision loss should get to the veterinarian immediately.